Simon Wood hails Leeds United Women’s attacking display after 10th straight win

Leeds United Women manager Simon Wood was delighted with his side’s attacking display as the Whites recorded a 2-0 victory over Norton & Stockton Ancients to extend their winning streak to 10 matches in all competitions.

First-half goals from league top scorer Amy Woodruff and Drew Greene secured all three points at the BD Community Stadium on Sunday afternoon, keeping Leeds top of the FA Women’s National League Division One North ahead of next weekend’s crucial meeting with second-placed AFC Fylde Women.

Speaking to LUTV after the final whistle, Wood highlighted the quality of Leeds’ attacking play in the opening 45 minutes, while also stressing the importance of another clean sheet and three points against strong opposition.

“The first half, as an attacking entity, we were superb,” he said. “We were picking up pockets, playing real combinations around the edge of the box, and everything we did had a purpose to it.

“To keep another clean sheet in the league is important to us, but to get the three points is the most important thing. So, really, really pleased, against a top opposition today, to get those three points and keep the run going.”

Woodruff opened the scoring in the 14th minute, reacting quickest after her initial effort was deflected into the air before tapping home.

The forward’s latest goal continued an outstanding start to the campaign, with her determination to turn the opportunity into a goal earning particular praise from her manager.

“Woody’s been superb,” Wood added. “Her first goal, we talk about persistence of a player, she’s made that goal from just sheer determination and sheer will to score a goal.

“Having a fit Amy Woodruff on the pitch is always going to cause problems for the opposition. So, really pleased to see her back on the pitch today.”

Drew Greene doubled the advantage in the 32nd minute, finishing from close range after an excellent run down the left by Darcie Greene.

The two first-half goals proved enough to see Leeds through, with the hosts recording another clean sheet to maintain their position at the top of the division.

Attention now turns to a significant test of Leeds’ title credentials, with Wood’s side travelling to face AFC Fylde Women next weekend. Fylde currently sit second and, like Leeds, have remained unbeaten in the league this season.

The Leeds manager welcomed the opportunity to measure his squad against another of the division’s leading sides, believing the fixture will provide an important indication of the progress made over recent seasons.

“We look forward to these games because it gives us an opportunity to show how good we are as a squad that we’ve assembled and built over the last few seasons,” Wood explained.

“We go into it in good form, but Fylde go into it in good form because they’re currently unbeaten in the league season as well. So we’ve got to go and show what we’re about.”

With 10 consecutive victories behind them, Leeds will head into the top-two encounter full of confidence.

However, Wood’s comments underline the challenge ahead, with an unbeaten Fylde side presenting an opportunity for the Whites to demonstrate their quality against direct promotion rivals.